American History Tellers The Gilded Age | Workers Revolt! | 5
Aug 19, 2020
Explore the explosive labor unrest of the late 19th century as workers revolt against low wages and dangerous conditions. The Haymarket Affair ignites tensions, leading to violent clashes that redefine the fight for workers' rights. Discover the bloody struggles at Homestead and the nationwide shutdown sparked by the Pullman Strike, as the government brutally intervenes. Amidst the chaos, the Populist Party rises, advocating for reform and justice against economic oppression. This era is a pivotal moment in the evolution of labor relations in America.
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Haymarket Bombing Arrests
- After the Haymarket Square bombing, police indiscriminately arrested anarchists and labor activists in Chicago.
- A carpenter was falsely accused and arrested despite proclaiming his innocence and union involvement.
Haymarket Bombing's Impact
- The Haymarket bombing shattered the labor movement's momentum.
- Public perception linked labor activism with violence and radicalism, weakening unions like the Knights of Labor.
Homestead Steelworkers' Battle
- At Homestead Steelworks, workers locked out by manager Henry Frick battled Pinkerton agents sent to break the strike.
- The violent clash resulted in deaths and showed corporations' overwhelming power against unions.